Yet another week with some big injuries. Chris Godwin, Chris Carson, Deebo Samuel, and Andy Dalton left slots to be filled before week eight. We are deep in byes, so it is always good to be active on the waiver even if you don’t need the player. Remember, sometimes, defense is the best offense. Understanding your opponent’s roster and beating them to the next man up can set you up for a nice trade or at least ensure they won’t be played against you.
Brandon Aiyuk WR San Francisco 49ers 50% Owned
Brandon Aiyuk (6REC 7TGTS 115YDS) had a massive game against a really good Patriots’ secondary, and he did this while fellow WR Deebo Samuel was on the field with him. Samuel was listed with a hamstring issue after the game which will sideline him for at least the next two weeks. That leaves Aiyuk with more targets and will be the clear-cut number one WR for this team going forward. Aiyuk has shown flashes of brilliance in a limited role. Now with more targets coming his way, I think Aiyuk is going to thrive. This week, the 49ers get a fantastic matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, who do not have any luck stopping anybody from scoring. Aiyuk should have a feast this week.
La’Michal Perine RB New York Jets 17% Owned
I know advocating for a Jet is never smart, but Perine is starting to look like a low-end number two running back or a weekly flex player. Perine (11CAR 39YDS 1TD 2REC 3TGTS 16YDS) didn’t have a monster game against the Buffalo Bills, but he played 70% of the snaps; the third week in a row with an increase in snaps. Head Coach Adam Gase has been saying the Jets need to start getting Perine more involved in the offense for the past couple of weeks, which sounds like more touches and maybe some passing game.
Richard Rodgers TE Philadelphia Eagles 10% Owned
Richard Rodgers (6REC 8TGTS 85YDS) stepped in quite nicely for the Eagles since both of their tight ends, Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, are injured right now. Rodgers has an absolute dream matchup against the Cowboys, who are sporting the league’s worst defense. Really, I would advocate playing any players going up against the Cowboys right now. The Eagles just lost DeSean Jackson again, so the receiving corps is thin at best, so Rodgers should be in line for another productive day.
Rashard Higgins WR Cleveland Browns 5% Owned
The biggest star to go down this weekend was WR Odell Beckham Jr. for the Browns. His injury has ended his season, which now opens up a vast opportunity for Rashard Higgins. He will be lining up as the number one outside receiver for the Browns for the rest of the season. Higgins hit a perfect 6 out of 6 targets for 110 catching yards from QB Baker Mayfield on Sunday and should be getting even more targets going forward. The Browns get to take on the Las Vegas Raiders after getting their defense carved up by Tom Brady; it’s an excellent matchup for Higgins in his new role.
Extra Pickups: Nelson Agholar WR Raiders; DeeJay Dallas RB Seahawks; Derek Carr QB Raiders; Scotty Miller WR Buccaneers; Sterling Shepard WR Giants; Dez Bryant WR Ravens; Jalen Reagor WR Eagles.